April 19, 2014
HOME GROUP QUESTIONS (Third week in April)
For the next two week’s studies we move away from Matthew’s gospel. (since it is the school holidays.)
Last Sunday (Easter) Phil spoke a great message on Jesus resurrection titled ‘HE IS RISEN’
Was there anything in particular that spoke to you, new or as a reminder? Share with others in your group.
Read afresh the account in Matthew 28:1-10
Do you believe Jesus rose from the dead?
What do you base your belief on?
Could there be a number of reliable things we could base our belief on or just one?
If an unsaved person who was unsure of Jesus resurrection asked you to ‘prove’ it was true how would you answer them?
LET’S NOW REFLECT ON THIS.
Ever since that first Easter, people have denied and tried to disprove Jesus resurrection. Eg Read Matthew 28:11-15. Why do you think this is so?
Who is behind it? …. see 2Corinthians 4:3-4,13-14
Why would he not want people to know the truth?
Why is the resurrection of Jesus so cruitial to our Christian faith?
Read and discuss what Paul said in 1Corinthians 15:12-19.
What did he go on to say? V.20
Read about one of Jesus’ disciples who doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead. John 20:24-28
What convinced him?
What point does Jesus make in v.29?
How would you help a Christian who had doubts?
How did Jesus explain to the two believers on the road to Emmaus all that had happened in the previous few days? Read Luke 24:25-27.
What was their response to the scriptures being explained to them? V.32
What evidence do we have? Read1Corinthians15:3-9 for some clues.
When Paul wrote these words most of the 500 plus were still alive so his readers could speak to them.
Below is a list.
· God’s Word.
· As we have read above Peter, the rest of the 12 disciples, more than 500 followers at one time, James, Paul and the women on the first Sunday.
· The angels account. Matthew 28:5-7
· See the vision of Stephen just before he was stoned. Acts 7:55-56. Where did he say Jesus was?
· Who did John see? Revelation 1:10-14, 17-18.
· The changed lives of the disciples who were willing to die for Jesus. Would they have been willing to die for a lie, if they hadn’t really seen him risen? Acts 4:16-20, 31.
· The guards watching over Jesus tomb who saw the angel roll away the stone covering the tomb.
Can you add to the list?
How would you share the truth of Jesus resurrection with an unbeliever?
Discuss in your group.
Read 1Peter 3:15-16a
Read Acts 2:24-28 & 34-35 What did Peter use? See the results of his words, v.37.
What does the writer to the Hebrews say God’s Word is able to do? Hebrews 4:12
What does faith come from? Romans 10:17
It has been said ‘We can debate with a person and influence their thinking and or we can use God’s Word which will pierce through beyond their thinking (their mind) to their heart (their spirit).’
Which do you think is most effective or should we use both?
Because JESUS HAS RISEN FROM THE DEAD read Paul’s concluding words about the future we have to look forward to. 1Corinthians15:50-57.
With this being our sure future as those who believe in Christ how should this motivate the way we live the rest of our lives? V58